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LEBANON – Memorial services were held Monday, June 20 at the Sellars Funeral Home on the Baddour Parkway for Mr. Wilson and his beloved late wife JoAnn.Mr. Wilson died June 10, 2011 at age 83. Services were conducted by Brother Danny Sellars.Alfred Flournoy Wilson was born on December 6, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, and raised in Bryan, Texas.He lived most of his life in Houston, TX where he graduated from the University of Houston. For nearly 60 years, he was married to his childhood sweetheart, JoAnn Peacock Wilson, who passed away last August.In 1989, he retired to Lebanon. Here he enjoyed farming, raising cattle, and the friendship of his neighbors. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Alfred Wilson was a student of history, and an avid follower of national politics.He is survived by his only child, Jessica Wilson, his grandson Robert Leleux, and Robert's partner Michael Leleux.Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon.

LEBANON -- Funeral services have been scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, June 24 at the Immanuel Baptist Church for Mr. Baird, 72, of Lebanon. Retired from IBM New York and the Tennessee Department of Education, he died Monday, June 20, 2011 in the University Medical Center.Mr. Baird traveled to every continent (except Antarctica) and to all 50 U.S. States.A member of The Gideons International, he helped distribute many Bibles, including the countries of Peru and Columbia.He was a Southern Baptist Deacon from 1970 until recently in (New York and Tennessee) and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Mr. Baird was a graduate of Lebanon High School and Regents NY University.He had sung twice at Carnegie Hall and many years with the Burt Coble singers. He played trombone in high school and was band president.Mr. Baird and wife Gaye started a church in New York, and he traveled with friends on many occasions to play golf in Myrtle Beach, SC. His hobbies included family, reading, trivia, golf, singing, motorcycles, computer-related activities, crossword puzzles, duplicate bridge and traveling. David & his wife Gaye were scheduled for a cruise next week.Visitation will be held Thursday from 12 Noon until 8 p.m. at the Partlow Funeral Chapel. Visitation on Friday 10 a.m. until services at Immanuel Baptist Church.Services will be conducted by Pastor John Hunn & Brother Donald Owens. Interment will follow at Wilson County Memorial Gardens.Survivors include: wife of 47 years Gaye Clemmons Baird; mother Mamie Louise Alsup Baird; sons William David Baird, and Daniel Clemmons (April) Baird.Also surviving: sisters Joyce Ann Baird Midgett and Linda Faye Baird (John) Riggs; grandsons David Andrew “Drew” Baird, Kyle Thomas Baird and Daniel Clemmons Baird Jr.; step grandsons Brock Martin Yeates and Austin Mcguire Yeates; numerous nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by father Richard Baird; brother Richard C. “Ricky” Baird. Active pallbearers: Larry Jones, Wayne Riggs, Rick Baird, James Franklin VanHook, Patrick Clemmons, Drew Baird, Kyle Baird, Daniel Baird Jr. and Brock Yeates.In memory of Mr. Baird, contributions may be made to The Gideons International or to the Relay For Life.Arrangements by PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL (615) 444-7007 OBITUARY LINE (615) 444-7700 / www.partlowchapel.com.

CARTHAGE -- Smith County native and Tuckers Cross Roads Community resident Dewitt Wright died Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2011 at the Pavilion in Lebanon at the age of 84.Services were conducted Tuesday afternoon, June 21 from the Carthage Chapel of Sanderson Funeral Home with his minister, Stan Stevenson and his grandson, Jody Prichett officiating. Interment followed in the Smith County Memorial Gardens.Born Lillard Dewitt Wright in the Lock Seven Community of Smith County on May 3, 1927, he was one of 10 children of Robert Marion Wright Sr. and Lela Lamoine Reasonover Wright. He was preceded in death by six of his siblings, Gladys Austin, Irene, Naomi, Rob, Carmack, Jake, Horace, and Coleman Wright.On March 24, 1945, he was married to his high school sweetheart, the former Melba Joy Dillehay who was the daughter of Defeated Creek residents Arlis “Shoate” & Amy Powell Dillehay. Mr. Dewitt and Mrs. Joy were preceded in death by a son, Lillard Dewitt Wright Jr. who died on May 10, 2010.Mr. Wright was a farmer and dairyman of Walter Morris Road. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.He was a member of the Rome Church of Christ.Surviving in addition to his wife of 66 years are children Paul (Kathy) Wright of Hiwassee, Janie (Sammy) Ellenburg, Robert Wright, Sherry (Jackie) Prichett, Petey (Huey) Glover, Mark (Tammy) Wright -- all of Rome, Keith (Jennifer) Wright of Elmwood; daughter-in-law Karen Wright of Grant; sister Mary Helen Apple of Livingston; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; twostep-great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.Arrangements by Sanderson Funeral Home of Carthage.

LEBANON -- Graveside services for are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, June 24 at the Cedar Grove Cemetery for Mrs. Bass, 89, of Lebanon.Born October 28, 1921, in Wilson County, Mrs. Bass passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Mt. Juliet Health Care.The daughter of the late Luther Grover and Mae Shepherd Martin, she worked at Texas Eastern for many years and was a member of the Bethlehem United Methodist Church.Visitation is Thursday 4-8 p.m. at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home in Lebanon.Services will be conducted by Rev. Ed Pugh.Survivors include: sisters Madelyn Moore and Dr. Mary Douglas Martin -- both of Lebanon; as well as several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands: James Ray Sellers and Walter Bass; sisters Helen Hoffman, Edna Mae Sims and Ruth Hawkins Callis; and brothers L. G. and Raymond Martin.Memorials may be made to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church.Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home in Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

LEBANON -- Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 at the Partlow Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Bell, 72, of Lebanon.A homemaker and a member of College Hills Church of Christ, she died Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Nashville's Baptist Hospital. Visitation will be Wednesday, one hour prior to services at the funeral home.Services will be conducted by Kevin Owen. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Survivors include: her husband of 35 years Charles Bell; daughters Melynda and Dana Gasser and Suzanne Bell -- all of Lebanon; sons Doug (Lisa) Bell of Kentucky and Shannon (Penney) Bell of Texas; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and her College Hills Church Family.She was preceded in death by her parents, William 'Bill' and Wilma Swafford Jr.Pallbearers: Doug, Shannon, Joshua, Andrew, Philip and Jesse Bell and Derek Robertson.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Healing Hand International, 455 McNally Dr. Nashville, 37211.Lebanon's Partlow Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

LEBANON -- Funeral services are set for 1 p.m. Friday, June 24 at the JC Hellum Funeral Home for Mr. Thompson, 54, of Lebanon.He died June 17, 2011 at Skyline Medical Center, Nashville.The family will receive friends Friday from 12 Noon until 1 p.m. with funeral to follow at JC Hellum Funeral ChapelL.Rev. Andray Clemons will be the eulogist; Pastor Wayne Bailey will be the officiant. Interment will follow at the Jennings Cemetery in the Statesville Community.Survivors include: mother Lucile Thompson, wife Kimberly Thompson, son Keshin Thompson and siblings Patricia Thompson, Beverly Tillison, Dorothy J. (Jerry) Bratcher, Ben E. Thompson and Gregory (Kay) Thompson; devoted Friend, Sherrill Franklin; as well as many other relatives and friends. Funeral service in the care of JC Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St., Lebanon.

LEBANON -- Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon, June 21, at the Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home for Mr. Hackney, 92, of Nashville.He passed away June 19, 2011, at Quality Care Nursing Home in Lebanon.Born in Wilson County, Mr. Hackney was the son of the late N.E. “Ned” Hackney and Cora Gwynn Hackney.Retired from Graham Paper Company, he was a member of the Una Church of Christ.Services were conducted by James Haynes, David Whitefield and Rex McBee. Interment was in the Wilson County Memorial Gardens. Survivors include: his wife of 63 years Grace Adams Hackney; nephews Dwight Hackney and Donald Spires; nieces Donna Mangrum and Mary Frances Allen.He was preceded in death by two sisters; his twin, Hilda Spires and Lela Lannom; brothers Spann, Milton and Briggsey Hackney along with nephew Kenneth Lannom. Pallbearers: Donald Spires, Dwight Hackney, Ronnie and Bruce Fox, Wayne Gorham, Melvin and James Haynes Clarence Williams.Arrangements by Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home.

Telling Tales

By BECKY ANDREWS,Wilson Living MagazineIt started out like any other Monday when the kids are on summer break. I showered, noticed a really bad pimple-that looked like I was sprouting a unicorn-, put on my skinny shorts and noticed that they had shrunk over the weekend (however, I don’t remember washing them OR putting them in the dryer.

Ask Ken Beck

Dear Ken: Who played the “Soup Nazi” on “Seinfeld”? What other shows or movies has he been in?The actor is Larry Thomas, and he was nominated for an Emmy for the role. Born Larry Thomasof, he has appeared on such TV shows as “Caroline in the City,” “Arli$$,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” “C.S.I.,” “Drake and Josh” and “Arrested Development.” His movie credits include “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,” “Postal,” “Not Another B Move,” and he will be in four films this year. In May he appeared in character as the temperamental soup cook at a New York Mets game where he told the crowd, “No soup for you!” I’m sure they lapped it up.

Calendar

Lebanon Toastmasters meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Spain House on the Lebanon First United Methodist Church campus at 415 West Main Street, Lebanon. Visitors are welcome. Toastmasters is an organization dedicated to improving communication and leadership skills. For information, call 444-0126.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Wilson County is in need of volunteers who would like to reach out to those in need in Wilson County. Volunteers must be age 55 or older. If you are interested in participating or partnering with the program, call 443-7606 or 742-1113, ext. 10.

Agape has contracted with Maple Hill church of Christ to provide counseling services in Lebanon. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Diana Crawford will be available at the church building on Mondays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. She sees children and adults. For information, call 547-4244.

AL-ANON and ALATEEN family groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. They believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid in recovery. There is a local AL-ANON and ALATEEN meeting in Lebanon every week. For information, call Harriett at 444-2852 or Linda at 444-8437.

HomeSafe Women’s Support Group meets Thursday evenings. For information and to sign up, call 444-6130. If you need help with an order of protection for domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking, contact HomeSafe at 444-8955.

Hunters Point Celebration Center will sponsor a Summer Fun Kid’s Camp on Wednesday nights at 7 during June and July for ages 3-11. There will be games, prizes, music, crafts and more with guest appearances by Forgiveness Man and Dr. Cut It Out. Adults are welcomed to attend the mid-week service. HPCC Is at 2232 Hunters Point Pike, Lebanon. For information, visit wwwlhpccenter.org or email info@hpccenter.org.

Wilson County Shrine Club will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 23, at the Ponderosa Steak House, Lebanon. All Wilson County Shriners and their Ladies are urged to attend.

Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors meeting will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 23, at 233 Legends Drive, Lebanon.

Tuckers Crossroads Football Team fund raiser will be from 5 until 10 p.m., Friday, June 24, at Baskin Robbins, 1023 West Main Street, Lebanon, as 31 percent of sales will go back to the team.

Young-Neal-Phillips-Carter Family Reunion will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 25, at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon. Bring food to share. Drinks will be provided. Also, bring an item to donate for a door prize. RSVP to Mary Gregory at 374-2493.

Summer Festival of Art and Music, the first-ever, will be at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center, 2034 North Mt. Juliet Road, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, June 25. There will be music, and artisans will exhibit and sell their work. The center’s Cooking Club will prepare a summer plate lunch for $5. There will be a “Decorated Shoe Exhibit and Contest,” first, second and third place prizes will be awarded. Anyone may enter a decorated show in the event. All shoe entries must be in by noon, Friday, June 24. For information, or to reserve a booth or enter a show, call 758-9114.

Lebanon High School Class of 1981 will hold its 30-year reunion on Saturday, June 25, at Five Oaks. Get your address to Gary Ligon on Facebook or call Amy Gregory at 417-1313 or Beverly Hurd at 444-3904 for details.

Lebanon City Council Public Works/Transportation Committee will meet at 7:30 a.m., Monday, June 27, in the Town Meeting Hall, City of Lebanon Administration Building at Castle Heights.

Drying Foods Class will be from 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday, June 30, in the Education Building, James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon. Cost is $15. Deadline to register is Monday, June 20 (UT Extension Office, 925 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon, closes at 4:30 p.m.). You can also email Shelly Barnes at sbarnes@utk.edu, then mail the check to UT Extension at address previously listed or bring it by the office. You’ll learn how to dry foods safely at home and receive a booklet of publications on drying foods.

Wilson County Retired Teachers’ Association will award two scholarships for the fall semester. Applications are now available at the Office of Student Financial Service at Cumberland University, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The WCRTA Scholarship is available to any junior or senior majoring in education. All parts of the application must be completed to be accepted. Deadline for applying is Friday, July 1.

American Red Cross Blood Drive will be at the Lebanon Post Office from noon until 5 p.m., Friday, July 1. The event is titled, “Country in My Blood,” and all donors will be entered into a drawing for a two-night stay at the Opryland Hotel, tickets to the Ryman, a backstage tour of the Ryman and a $300 Visa card. Schedule your appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code USPSLebanon or contact Betsy Snyder at betsy.j.snyder@usps.gov or call 453-4758.

Rocky Valley Baptist Church will have its first Free Movie Night at 8 on Saturday, July 2, at the church at 5745 Old Murfreesboro Road, East, Lebanon. Free drinks and popcorn will be provided. Everyone is urged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. There are also plans to have fireworks after the movie for this first such event.

Lebanon High School Class of 1991 is planning a 20-year reunion for July 2. Organizers are looking for classmates. Email contact information to Dawn Carr Willis at willisbunch@bellsouth.net or lhsclass91@yahoo.com, or call 308-0034. For information, go to www.eventbrite.com or Facebook.

Senior Citizens Program and Caregivers will be the first Thursday of the month, July 7, at 11:30 a.m., at the Wilson County Courthouse, Lebanon. Door prizes will be given. For information, call 444-1383.

University of Tennessee Extension will offer the 4-H Babysitter’s Training Program from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, July 12-14, at the UT Extension Office at 925 E. Baddour Pkwy., Suite 100, Lebanon. The age range for this class is 5th through 12th grade. Participants must attend all three days. Cost will be $30 to cover materials each participant will receive. Space is limited, and slots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. All participants must pre-register to attend. If you would like to register your child, or have questions or concerns, contact Marietta Sanford at 444-9584 or by email at msanfor1@tennessee.edu.

Tennessee Gesneriad Society will meet at Cheekwood in Botanic Hall at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 17. The program will be slideshow of the National Convention flower show. For information, contact Julie at Julie.mavity@gmail.com or call 364-8459.

Long-Term Ombudsman Program volunteers are needed to visit and advocate for the elderly residents of long-term care facilities in the Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and Robertson County areas. Requirements include patience, persistence, the ability to be objective and a genuine concern for the vulnerable elderly population in the area. The next 16-hour, two-day volunteer certification training will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 23-24. For information or to register for training, call 452-1687 or 452-5259.

Calling all Wilson County High School graduates and teachers, the Class of 1964 invites you to take a cruise to the Bahamas, Nassau, leaving out of Florida on April 30, 2012 and returning on May 4, 2012. For information, contact Emma Tapley Stafford at 453-1402 or Bob Lowe at Travel World at 444-0533.

To submit items for the calendar, you can mail them to The Wilson Post, 216 Hartmann Drive, Lebanon. 37087, or e-mail them to news@wilsonpost.com. Items for the calendar will not be taken over the phone. The Wilson Post reserves the right to reject items deemed not appropriate for the calendar.

General News

Lebanon’s First Baptist Church will commemorate 190 years of active ministry in the heart of Wilson County Sunday morning, June 26.

The 10 a.m. worship service will include a presentation from the church’s history committee, and will be followed by “dinner on the grounds.” In conjunction with the meal, there will be a walk-through display of dozens of pictures and mementoes spanning the congregation’s nearly two centuries of ministry.

The anniversary Sunday is part of the church’s "Servebration", a year-long celebration designed to impact the community in practical ways. Since January, members of First Baptist have logged hundreds of service hours through church sponsored events and weekly partnerships with local organizations such as Joseph’s Storehouse, Sherry’s Run, and Brook’s House.